“One important observation: it is vital that we sell this as a regional and not just an Indiana initiative,” firm President Jack Burkman wrote to White in January. “And we can easily do so because of the 50,000 to 60,000 jobs being created.”

The plan for “Odyssey Experience” includes construction of a host of entertainment, residential and commercial projects on nearly 1,200 acres on the southwest side of downtown. Among the attractions are, an amusement park, casino and sporting venues, including a stadium for the Indy Eleven soccer team that could double as an outdoor amphitheater; residential towers; and hotels adding at least 3,000 rooms to the city’s inventory.